Kay’s remark argues that software cannot always be considered independently from the hardware on which it runs. The capabilities, limits and structure of a computer influence what software can do, how efficiently it can do it and what kinds of experiences can be created for users.

The broader point is about control over the whole system. If designers care deeply about what software should become, Kay suggests that they may need to shape the underlying hardware as well rather than accept existing constraints. The statement does not mean that every software developer literally needs to manufacture computers. It expresses a systems view of computing in which hardware and software are closely connected, and where important advances may come from designing both together rather than optimising only one layer.